SeaWorld posts videos in response to 'Blackfish' documentary

A number of musical acts have canceled performances at SeaWorld in Florida or ended their relationship with the theme park because of the controversial film "Blackfish." Click ahead to see which musicians have have joined the list.

Seen here is the subject of the film, Tilikum, during a performance at Sea World on March 30, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.

Photo By Mike Lawrie / Getty Images

In a cease and desist letter to the president and CEO of SeaWorld in Florida, Joan Jett wrote, "I was surprised and upset to see on YouTube that SeaWorld used I Love Rock 'n' Roll as the opening music for its cruel and abusive 'Shamu Rocks' show. I'm among the millions who saw Blackfish and am sickened that my music was blasted without my permission at sound-sensitive marine mammals."

Cheap Trick canceled a performance at SeaWorld because of the controversial film "Blackfish."

Photo By Jeff Daly/Associated Press

Heart canceled a performance at SeaWorld because of the controversial film "Blackfish."

Photo By Edward Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

Martina McBride canceled a performance at SeaWorld because of the controversial film "Blackfish."

Trisha Yearwood canceled a performance at SeaWorld because of the controversial film "Blackfish."

Photo By Larry Hulst/Getty Images

Barenaked Ladies canceled a performance at SeaWorld because of the controversial film "Blackfish."

Photo By Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-Newss

REO Speedwagon canceled a performance at SeaWorld because of the controversial film "Blackfish."

Photo By Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Trace Adkins canceled a performance at SeaWorld because of the controversial film "Blackfish."

Photo By Courtesy photo

38 Special canceled a performance at SeaWorld because of the controversial film "Blackfish."

More Information

SAN ANTONIO — SeaWorld has fought back during the past few weeks against claims in a controversial documentary “Blackfish”, which questioned treatment of whales and the theme park's handling of a trainer's death.

SeaWorld's website has a section titled “The Truth About Blackfish” in which videos, articles and an information about research and conservation is compiled in a way to refute the CNN-produced documentary.

The documentary features in-depth interviews from four former trainers who provide perspective on the operations at the waterpark.

Since the film nationally debuted on CNN in October, the park has endured public backlash. At least nine performers, including Texas singer Willie Nelson, have canceled appearances, citing concerns about abuses depicted in the movie.

Last year, SeaWorld responded to the film in a series of full-page newspaper ads purchased in large publications, including the San Antonio Express-News.

But the more recent videos feature former and current trainers who call the movie “a lie” and deceiving.

Mark Simmons, a former SeaWorld Orlando trainer who was featured briefly in the movie, said in one of the videos that his three hours of interview for the film was not included because he didn't agree with the premise.

“What really upset me was the idea that SeaWorld deceived its trainers and the public, because that couldn't be further from the truth.

Simmons, who was interviewed by the Express-News in January, said the whales are treated “like royalty.”

Another video posted by SeaWorld features a trainer who was featured in the movie riding a whale's while another trainer speaks over the video, making it appear like the speaker was actually riding the whale.

“That was me, it wasn't her,” said Holly Byrd. “That was two years of my career leading up to that point that they twisted and took from me.”

“The one thing I want people to know after watching the movie is that it's not true,” Byrd said.

Magnolia Pictures, the production company behind “Blackfish,” declined multiple requests for comment and CNN did not return multiple requests for comment in January.

SeaWorld said last month that it has had the best-ever attendance for the last quarter of 2013 and expects to report record full-year revenue of about $1.46 billion when the newly public company officially reports its fourth-quarter results in March, according to The Associated Press.